Quality Growth Boutique

Where can investors find opportunities? Where are the pockets of risk to avoid? Our portfolio managers explore consumer behavior in the tech and consumer staples sectors, and growth in emerging markets. We expect investor focus to shift from virus-induced disruptions to the pace of economic healing and we remain confident about market prospects ahead.

Why should investors care about ESG and why has the focus on ESG increased over the last several years? We believe the answer lies partly in the uncertain times in which we live. ESG shines a light on stability. It is not a luxury, but a critical part of risk management.

Unlike horses that need blinders to keep them narrowly focused on winning a race, investors should expand their field of vision to consider the risks around them. Matthew Benkendorf, CIO of the Quality Growth Boutique, shares 5 principles that are critical to help successfully navigate emerging markets.

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s brilliant partner, famously remarked that their investment approach was “simple, but not easy.” After nearly 40 years of investing, Portfolio Manager Ed Walczak explores how the Quality Growth team aims to overcome the many challenges investors face today in determining the “true” value of a company.

History is a good reminder that it is difficult to predict market reactions, and that elections do not have as tremendous consequences on markets as people may believe. Market anxiety over election impact is generally over-exaggerated. The underlying health of the economy and corporate profit growth, ultimately, are the factors that will impact stock prices.

Many emerging markets are more resilient to external shocks than in the past and can better withstand the pressures of a stronger US dollar. And so far, many EMs have been fairly conservative in their use of stimulus in response to Covid-19. This increases the potential for prosperous times ahead.

The US government launches 2 new rules aimed at ESG and proxy voting. Individually they appear investor-first, but taken together may be seen as a political agenda to limit investor activism from social and environmental interest groups. We are concerned about the impact on effective stewardship.

The ongoing trade war and eroding U.S.-China relationship have been a catalyst for making it less attractive for Chinese companies to seek a public listing in the United States. The Chinese government is finally making good on promises to open up domestic markets to foreign investors. Additionally, Hong Kong and China are taking steps to make local listings more attractive, especially to high-tech start-ups.

Our equity experts from the Quality Growth Boutique are constantly trying to find exceptional companies. In this insight, they explore businesses that may be high quality today that were not in the past. Does the current COVID crisis change the playbook for investors in any way?

Ethnic minorities account for 40% of the US population, 29% of bachelor degrees, but just 16% of Fortune 500 board seats. Sub-conscious bias plays a big role. A structured approach to hiring and mentoring are required for change. Diversity can drive innovation and shareholder returns.

Like a pendulum, once equity markets swing one way, they will swing back. Investors can manage market swings by actively allocating to international equities using 3 timeless tactics: diversification, exposure to a unique opportunity set of strong businesses, and buying at attractive valuations.

Portfolio Manager Ed Walczak and Client Portfolio Manager Grant Bughman provide an update on the markets, US Equity portfolio positioning and outlook.